China Regulates AI Companions and Virtual Relationships

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China has introduced regulations governing AI companions and other human-like AI interactive services. The Interim Measures for the Administration of AI Anthropomorphic Interactive Services, which took effect on 15 July 2026, aim to promote the safe and responsible development of AI while reducing risks such as emotional dependency, manipulation, and psychological harm.

The regulations require providers to implement age verification, conduct security assessments, protect users' personal information, and introduce anti-addiction measures. The provisions also prohibit AI services from offering virtual romantic partner or virtual family relationship services to minors and require providers to clearly inform users when they are interacting with AI rather than a human.

 

The regulatory framework is further supported by Guideline TC260-005, issued in May 2026, and two national standards GB/T 46901-2025 and GB/T 46903-2025 which came into effect on 1 July 2026.

 

As AI companions become increasingly realistic, some users are forming deep emotional attachments and, in some cases, romantic relationships with AI, prompting regulators to introduce safeguards against emotional dependency and other potential harms.

 

Additional information can be found by clicking the resources below.

 

TC260-005, 2026, Measures Order 21, 2026, Opinions State Council, 2026, Cyberspace Administration, 2026, Gov.cn, 2026, Public Security, 2026, Rimon Law, 2026, CSET, 2026, Comparative AI, 2026,  China Law Translate, 2026, NYU Shanghai, 2026, State Council, 2026, GB/T 46901-2025, GB/T 46903-2025,





#AI #ChinaAI #AIRegulation #AIEthics #AICompanions #DigitalRelationships #GenerativeAI #TechPolicy

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